Supermarket staff spread much-needed festive cheer

Gillian Loney

Elderly people living in isolation received a welcome Christmas present this year, thanks to Lightburn Elderly Association Project (LEAP) and Waitrose Newton Mearns.

LEAP teamed up with the Mearns supermarket to make 150 festive hampers to be delivered to older people across South Lanarkshire.

It’s the third year running that Waitrose stores have taken part in the Christmas Isolation project — aiming to tackle the three quarter of a million Brits over 65 who say they always or often feel lonely — and, for the first time, the store provided all funding and stock.

Jamie Wishart, branch manager for Newton Mearns, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our support again, at such an important time of year. LEAP provide a vital service and I know how important the services are to the community.

“Community involvement is at the heart of Waitrose. We donate £1,000 a month to local charities nominated by customers, and provide 250 hours of support to local causes through our Partner Volunteering scheme. If you would like to get involved, please contact Waitrose Newton Mearns.”

Stuart McGregor, LEAP’s executive director, thanked staff at the supermarket for their help.

He added: “It is fantastic that they have been so generous and agreed to fund the entire cost of the hampers, as well as providing the contents of them.

“Our partnership with Waitrose helps to make sure that we can reach many clients who are most in need of support this Christmas time.”